Hon. MEC, I have motioned Parliament last year about the pivotal role water plays in our lives, not only to sustain us but to be creatively utilised as a means to prosperity.

The transfer of R65,1319 million to Ezemvelo its focus on upgrading roads to key tourist parks is important, yet Ezemvelo has struggled to spend on capital expenditure.

I have argued that:

a. The Coastal Management forum launched last year, looked at creating space on our shorelines for prayer to the sea Goddess by certain faith based organisations, which would increase local tourism and should be considered.

b. That the river valley system not only be looked at as irrigation strategies for agriparks but that “in transportation” tourism such as the use of boats or cruise liners, needing river and coastline development. This would be a means for transport and relaxation.

The major advantage of canalisation in the CBD, locality of the Umgeni mouth, would be the increase depth and therefore increase water catchment from rainfall. This strategy would also be essential in the rural belt, due to uneven rainfall.

Hon. MEC, Climate change needs an economic response.

The other area that needs stimulus is the film commission.

I appreciate that much work has been done in terms of the Strategic Plan 2014- 2015, but now implementation is key, in terms of letting the talent in KZN grow and producing sitcoms, showcasing the plays and shows from the Playhouse and empowering those artists to make local movies; rather than skewed funding, majority for musicians.

On another occasion, Hon. MEC, I will speak on rail tourism and economic development, unless you are already working on this.

With this the MF supports this R 2,97 billion budget.

Thank you.

Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

MPL – KZN Legislature